Modelling and Design of an Articulated Device for Pouring Concrete

The aim of the work is the implementation of a sound virtual model to predict the on-field behaviour of an articulated 58-meter device for pouring concrete in building constructions. The objective is an accurate study of the structure to optimize its performance in operative conditions. An already existing prototype of the rig can be carried by a tractor unit (on which it is located and to which it is joined), it is composed of five arms and it can be used to pour concrete at different heights, by assuming different configurations (deriving by all the allowable relative positions of the five arms). This prototype has been instrumented with rectangular rosettes to verify its behaviour experimentally. At the same time, a CAD 3D model has been implemented by a modeller and used to perform a finite element analysis of the structure. Numerical predictions and experimental data have been compared: a very good correlation results. Experimental validation confirms the soundness of the virtual model. Numerical simulations performed on the model lead to interesting suggestions for the optimization of the geometry and to the set-up of an out-of-service experimental testing apparatus for the device itself or for its future upgrades.